Downpour ends Newtown's saddest week

December 21, 2012 9:46 AM

Photo: Carol Kaliff

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Lexi Blakely, a first grader in Alisha Hill's class at Southridge Elementary School in Casper, Wyo., colors a paper heart on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. All the students at the school made hearts to send to the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. (AP Photo/Casper Star-Tribune, Alan Rogers) less

Lexi Blakely, a first grader in Alisha Hill's class at Southridge Elementary School in Casper, Wyo., colors a paper heart on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. All the students at the school made hearts to send to the ... more

Julia Evans, 12, of Old Greenwich, holds her poem about the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre titled "The Day was Suppose to be Ordinary," at her home, Thursday night, Dec. 20, 2012. Evans is a 7th grader at Greenwich Country Day School. less

Julia Evans, 12, of Old Greenwich, holds her poem about the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre titled "The Day was Suppose to be Ordinary," at her home, Thursday night, Dec. 20, 2012. Evans is a 7th grader ... more

Julia Evans, 12, of Old Greenwich, holds her poem about the Sandy... Photo-3926865.54204 - Times Union

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People, including Joe Saleem, center, observe a moment of silence led by Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and First Selectman Patricia Llodra in front of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. The moment of silence and bell tolling was held across the state on Friday, December 21, 2012, the one week anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings. Saleem said he lived in Newtown for 54 years but moved to North Carolina. But after the violence that took 28 people, Saleem returned to his hometown. "I've had three sleepless nights," he said. less

People, including Joe Saleem, center, observe a moment of silence led by Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and First Selectman Patricia Llodra in front of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. ... more

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children. less

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after ... more

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children. less

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam ... more

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown,... Photo-3923721.54204 - Times Union

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MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: Nicolette Schurhoff prays during a service, at St. Rose of Lima School, for the victims of the school shooting one week ago in Newtown, Connecticut on December 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. Across the country people marked the one week point since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut that killed 26 people. less

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: Nicolette Schurhoff prays during a service, at St. Rose of Lima School, for the victims of the school shooting one week ago in Newtown, Connecticut on December 21, 2012 in Miami, ... more

Julia Evans, 12, of Old Greenwich, holds her poem about the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre titled "The Day was Suppose to be Ordinary," at her home, Thursday night, Dec. 20, 2012. Evans is a 7th grader at Greenwich Country Day School. less

Julia Evans, 12, of Old Greenwich, holds her poem about the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre titled "The Day was Suppose to be Ordinary," at her home, Thursday night, Dec. 20, 2012. Evans is a 7th grader ... more

Julia Evans, 12, of Old Greenwich, holds her poem about the Sandy... Photo-3926202.54204 - Times Union

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Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, center, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, to the right, and First Selectman Patricia Llodra, to the left, lead a moment of silence as a bell tolls 26 times in front of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. The moment of silence and bell tolling was held across the state on Friday, December 21, 2012, the one week anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings. less

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, center, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, to the right, and First Selectman Patricia Llodra, to the left, lead a moment of silence as a bell tolls 26 times in front of Edmond Town ... more

People, including Joe Saleem, center, observe a moment of silence led by Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and First Selectman Patricia Llodra in front of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. The moment of silence and bell tolling was held across the state on Friday, December 21, 2012, the one week anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings. Saleem said he lived in Newtown for 54 years but moved to North Carolina. But after the violence that took 28 people, Saleem returned to his hometown. "I've had three sleepless nights," he said.

People, including Joe Saleem, center, observe a moment of silence led by Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and First Selectman Patricia Llodra in front of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown.

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, center, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, to the right, and First Selectman Patricia Llodra, to the left, lead a moment of silence as a bell tolls 26 times in front of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. The moment of silence and bell tolling was held across the state on Friday, December 21, 2012, the one week anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings. less

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, center, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, to the right, and First Selectman Patricia Llodra, to the left, lead a moment of silence as a bell tolls 26 times in front of Edmond Town ... more

Cars stop on Main Street in Newtown during a statewide moment of silence. A bell tolled 26 times in front of Edmond Town Hall. The moment of silence and bell tolling was held across the state on Friday, December 21, 2012, the one week anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings. less

Cars stop on Main Street in Newtown during a statewide moment of silence. A bell tolled 26 times in front of Edmond Town Hall. The moment of silence and bell tolling was held across the state on Friday, ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo, Joshua Trujillo/Hearst Newspaper

Cars stop on Main Street in Newtown during a statewide moment of... Photo-3925580.54204 - Times Union

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Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, right, and First Selectman Patricia Llodra, second from right, lead a moment of silence with other community members as a bell tolls 26 times in front of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. The moment of silence and bell tolling was held across the state on Friday, December 21, 2012, the one week anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings. less

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, right, and First Selectman Patricia Llodra, second from right, lead a moment of silence with other community members as a bell tolls 26 times in front of Edmond Town Hall in ... more

A woman hangs a decoration from a Christmas tree at a memorial site Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the 26 individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children. less

A woman hangs a decoration from a Christmas tree at a memorial site Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the 26 individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School ... more

Rose Savoca lights a candle at a memorial site Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the 26 individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children. less

Rose Savoca lights a candle at a memorial site Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the 26 individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The ... more

A mourner walks through a memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children. less

A mourner walks through a memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school ... more

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children. less

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam ... more

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children. less

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after ... more

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children. less

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after ... more

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children. less

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown, Conn., honoring the individuals who were killed during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. The school was evacuated after Adam ... more

A memorial site is seen Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Newtown,... Photo-3925843.54204 - Times Union

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This card from a child was part of a large memorial outside Newton’s Edmond Town Hall. The picture was taken Dec. 20, the same day four of the slain schoolchildren killed and two of their teachers had funerals. less

This card from a child was part of a large memorial outside Newton’s Edmond Town Hall. The picture was taken Dec. 20, the same day four of the slain schoolchildren killed and two of their teachers had ... more

Photo: Casey McNerthney/Hearst Newspapers

This card from a child was part of a large memorial outside... Photo-3926014.54204 - Times Union

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This children’s card was part of a large memorial outside Newton’s Edmond Town Hall. The picture was taken Dec. 20, the same day four of the 20 schoolchildren killed and two of the six teachers had funerals. less

This children’s card was part of a large memorial outside Newton’s Edmond Town Hall. The picture was taken Dec. 20, the same day four of the 20 schoolchildren killed and two of the six teachers had ... more

Photo: Casey McNerthney/Hearst Newspapers

This children’s card was part of a large memorial outside... Photo-3926013.54204 - Times Union

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The Newtown General Store, near the funeral home that has had wakes for many of the 20 children killed, has been offering free grief counseling for anyone in the town of roughly 27,000 people.

The Newtown General Store, near the funeral home that has had wakes for many of the 20 children killed, has been offering free grief counseling for anyone in the town of roughly 27,000 people.

Photo: Casey McNerthney/Hearst Newspapers

The Newtown General Store, near the funeral home that has had wakes... Photo-3926001.54204 - Times Union

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For decades, the town hall in Newtown has shown Friday night movies and the site is a popular hangout for teens. The Christmas movie scheduled for Dec. 21-23 was cancelled and grief counseling was available instead. less

For decades, the town hall in Newtown has shown Friday night movies and the site is a popular hangout for teens. The Christmas movie scheduled for Dec. 21-23 was cancelled and grief counseling was available ... more

Photo: Casey McNerthney/Hearst Newspapers

For decades, the town hall in Newtown has shown Friday night movies... Photo-3926003.54204 - Times Union

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This sign from young children in Newtown was left at a huge memorial near Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 students and six teachers were killed Dec. 14. A child wrote that he hopes the victims get to play Legos and Xbox. less

This sign from young children in Newtown was left at a huge memorial near Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 students and six teachers were killed Dec. 14. A child wrote that he hopes the victims get to ... more

Photo: Casey McNerthney/Hearst Newspapers

This sign from young children in Newtown was left at a huge... Photo-3926006.54204 - Times Union

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These are a few of the signs at a huge memorial about a quarter mile from for the Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 students and six teachers were killed Dec. 14. Hundreds of mourners gathered there for days after the shooting, but access to the school was limited to authorities. less

These are a few of the signs at a huge memorial about a quarter mile from for the Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 students and six teachers were killed Dec. 14. Hundreds of mourners gathered there for ... more

Photo: Casey McNerthney/Hearst Newspapers

These are a few of the signs at a huge memorial about a quarter... Photo-3926008.54204 - Times Union

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This T-shirt signed by other Newtown students was at a huge memorial about a quarter mile from for the Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 students and six teachers were killed Dec. 14. Hundreds of mourners gathered there for days after the shooting, but access to the school was limited to authorities. less

This T-shirt signed by other Newtown students was at a huge memorial about a quarter mile from for the Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 students and six teachers were killed Dec. 14. Hundreds of mourners ... more

Photo: Casey McNerthney/Hearst Newspapers

This T-shirt signed by other Newtown students was at a huge... Photo-3926009.54204 - Times Union

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This sign is pictured Dec. 20, 2012, the day that four children and two adults killed had funerals in Newtown.

This sign is pictured Dec. 20, 2012, the day that four children and two adults killed had funerals in Newtown.

Photo: Casey McNerthney/Hearst Newspapers

This sign is pictured Dec. 20, 2012, the day that four children and... Photo-3926002.54204 - Times Union

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This reader board greets visitors entering Newtown on Main Street. It switches between this message and another: “Thanks to Our Heroes.” This sign is pictured Dec. 20, 2012, the day that four children and two adults killed had funerals in Newtown. less

This reader board greets visitors entering Newtown on Main Street. It switches between this message and another: “Thanks to Our Heroes.” This sign is pictured Dec. 20, 2012, the day that four children and ... more

A neighbor made this sign across from Honan Funeral Home on Newtown’s Main Street. The funeral home held wakes for many of the 20 children killed in the Dec. 14 massacre.

A neighbor made this sign across from Honan Funeral Home on Newtown’s Main Street. The funeral home held wakes for many of the 20 children killed in the Dec. 14 massacre.

Photo: Casey McNerthney/Hearst Newspapers

A neighbor made this sign across from Honan Funeral Home on... Photo-3926012.54204 - Times Union

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A photograph of Nancy Lanza, bottom left, one of the 27 people allegedly killed by Adam Lanza in the Sandy Hook village of Newtown, Conn., last week, appears on a board at a makeshift memorial, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. For the most part, makeshift memorials honor the 26 victims allegedly killed by the gunman, who forced himself into Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012. In total, 27 people were killed as officials say Lanza shot and killed his mother, Nancy Lanza, at their home. Nancy Lanza is virtually nonexistent in the memorials. less

A photograph of Nancy Lanza, bottom left, one of the 27 people allegedly killed by Adam Lanza in the Sandy Hook village of Newtown, Conn., last week, appears on a board at a makeshift memorial, Thursday, Dec. ... more

Photo: Julio Cortez

A photograph of Nancy Lanza, bottom left, one of the 27 people... Photo-3925366.54204 - Times Union

People attend a candlelight vigil honoring victims of the Sandy... Photo-3926869.54204 - Times Union

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Kerin Sovern, center, who is from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, but now lives in San Diego, attends a candlelight vigil honoring victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut at Balboa Park Thursday Dec. 20, 2012 with her parents Maureen and Michael Sovern who are visiting her from Sandy Hook. (AP Photo/U-T San Diego, Bill Wechter less

Kerin Sovern, center, who is from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, but now lives in San Diego, attends a candlelight vigil honoring victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut at Balboa Park Thursday ... more

Photo: Bill Wechter, Associated Press

Kerin Sovern, center, who is from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, but now... Photo-3926868.54204 - Times Union

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Mourners release lanterns during the community memorial vigil at Ben Lomond High School in Ogden for Emilie Parker, one of the children murdered during the recent school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Deseret News, Ben Brewer) less

Mourners release lanterns during the community memorial vigil at Ben Lomond High School in Ogden for Emilie Parker, one of the children murdered during the recent school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, ... more

Photo: Ben Brewer, Associated Press

Mourners release lanterns during the community memorial vigil at... Photo-3926867.54204 - Times Union

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Postal worker Christine Dugas sorts letters at the post office in Newtown, Conn., Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, including a letter addressed to "The families of 6 Amazing Women and 20 Beloved Angels," one of many letters and packages that have been sent to Newtown in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) less

Postal worker Christine Dugas sorts letters at the post office in Newtown, Conn., Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, including a letter addressed to "The families of 6 Amazing Women and 20 Beloved Angels," one of many ... more

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: A child holds rosary beads as she prays during a service at St. Rose of Lima School, for the victims of the school shooting one week ago in Newtown, Connecticut on December 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. Across the country people marked the one week point since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut that killed 26 people. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: A child holds rosary beads as she prays during a service at St. Rose of Lima School, for the victims of the school shooting one week ago in Newtown, Connecticut on December 21, 2012 in ... more

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: A card written by a student at St. Rose of Lima School reads, ''Im Sorry 4 What Happened'' on a card to be sent to the victims of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on December 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. Across the country people marked the one week point since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut that killed 26 people. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: A card written by a student at St. Rose of Lima School reads, ''Im Sorry 4 What Happened'' on a card to be sent to the victims of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: A card written by a student at St. Rose... Photo-3926862.54204 - Times Union

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MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: Elissa Irwanto prays during a service, at St. Rose of Lima School, for the victims of the school shooting one week ago in Newtown, Connecticut on December 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. Across the country people marked the one week point since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut that killed 26 people. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: Elissa Irwanto prays during a service, at St. Rose of Lima School, for the victims of the school shooting one week ago in Newtown, Connecticut on December 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. ... more

Lynn and Chris McDonnell carry pink and purple balloons following a Memorial Mass for their daughter, Grace McDonnell, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. less

Lynn and Chris McDonnell carry pink and purple balloons following a Memorial Mass for their daughter, Grace McDonnell, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman ... more

Lynn and Chris McDonnell carry pink and purple balloons following a Memorial Mass for their daughter, Grace McDonnell, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. less

Lynn and Chris McDonnell carry pink and purple balloons following a Memorial Mass for their daughter, Grace McDonnell, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman ... more

Lynn and Chris McDonnell carry pink and purple balloons following a Memorial Mass for their daughter, Grace McDonnell, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. less

Lynn and Chris McDonnell carry pink and purple balloons following a Memorial Mass for their daughter, Grace McDonnell, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman ... more

Lynn and Chris McDonnell carry pink and purple balloons following a Memorial Mass for their daughter, Grace McDonnell, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. less

Lynn and Chris McDonnell carry pink and purple balloons following a Memorial Mass for their daughter, Grace McDonnell, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman ... more

T.D. Grimes prepares a candy cane before hanging it on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Grimes placed a cane on each tree remembering a student and an apple on each tree remembering each teacher who died after gunman Adam Lanza opened fire in the school last Friday. "My sole was rattling around, restless that I needed to do something," she said. "I couldn't take doing nothing." less

T.D. Grimes prepares a candy cane before hanging it on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Grimes placed a cane on each ... more

T.D. Grimes prepares a candy cane before hanging it on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Grimes placed a cane on each tree remembering a student and an apple on each tree remembering each teacher who died after gunman Adam Lanza opened fire in the school last Friday. "My sole was rattling around, restless that I needed to do something," she said. "I couldn't take doing nothing." less

T.D. Grimes prepares a candy cane before hanging it on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Grimes placed a cane on each ... more

Long Island Navy Veteran Michael Kennedy places a rose on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Kennedy placed a rose on each of the 26 trees for each person who died after gunman Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children, last Friday. "I have to do this before I'm dedicated to ridding our society of guns," Kennedy said. "I'm going to do whatever I can to ban assault weapons and multiple clips. Our society is not defined by the NRA. It should never be defined by any extremist group. I consider them extremist." less

Long Island Navy Veteran Michael Kennedy places a rose on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Kennedy placed a rose on ... more

Long Island Navy Veteran Michael Kennedy places a rose on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Kennedy placed a rose on each of the 26 trees for each person who died after gunman Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children, last Friday. "I have to do this before I'm dedicated to ridding our society of guns," Kennedy said. "I'm going to do whatever I can to ban assault weapons and multiple clips. Our society is not defined by the NRA. It should never be defined by any extremist group. I consider them extremist." less

Long Island Navy Veteran Michael Kennedy places a rose on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Kennedy placed a rose on ... more

Long Island Navy Veteran Michael Kennedy places a rose on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Kennedy placed a rose on each of the 26 trees for each person who died after gunman Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children, last Friday. "I have to do this before I'm dedicated to ridding our society of guns," Kennedy said. "I'm going to do whatever I can to ban assault weapons and multiple clips. Our society is not defined by the NRA. It should never be defined by any extremist group. I consider them extremist." less

Long Island Navy Veteran Michael Kennedy places a rose on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Kennedy placed a rose on ... more

Long Island Navy Veteran Michael Kennedy places a rose on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Kennedy placed a rose on each of the 26 trees for each person who died after gunman Adam Lanza opened fire killing 26 individuals, 20 whom were children, last Friday. "I have to do this before I'm dedicated to ridding our society of guns," Kennedy said. "I'm going to do whatever I can to ban assault weapons and multiple clips. Our society is not defined by the NRA. It should never be defined by any extremist group. I consider them extremist." less

Long Island Navy Veteran Michael Kennedy places a rose on a Christmas tree at a memorial in front of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Kennedy placed a rose on ... more